Mental Health Aid
hace 13 días
Dallas
Job DescriptionMental Health Aide North Texas VA Health Care System – Dallas, TX Location: Dallas, TX Schedule: As assigned by Mental Health Service Line (varied shifts possible) Position Overview Mental Health Aides support the delivery of therapeutic, rehabilitative, and supportive care to Veteran patients within the North Texas VA Mental Health Service Line. This role assists physicians, nurses, therapists, and other clinical personnel in implementing treatment plans, monitoring patient behavior, and maintaining a safe, structured environment for individuals receiving psychiatric or behavioral health services. Mental Health Aides work directly with patients in inpatient, residential, or outpatient mental health settings and must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, emotional stability, and the ability to respond appropriately in crisis or high‑stress situations. Key Responsibilities • Provide direct patient care and supportive services under the supervision of licensed clinical staff., • Assist with therapeutic activities, rehabilitation exercises, and structured group programming., • Observe, document, and report changes in patient behavior, mood, or functioning., • Support patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) as needed., • Maintain a safe, clean, and supportive treatment environment., • Assist clinical staff during behavioral interventions or crisis situations following VA protocols., • Escort patients to appointments, activities, or treatment areas as required., • Participate in interdisciplinary team discussions and contribute to patient care planning., • Uphold all VA policies regarding patient rights, confidentiality, and safety.Minimum Qualifications, • High School Diploma required., • Minimum 1 year of experience providing direct patient care in a behavioral health, psychiatric, rehabilitation, or therapeutic treatment setting., • College or university, • Junior college, • Health sciences, • Nursing, • Behavioral science, • Social science, • Guidance or counseling, • Teaching, • Biological sciences, • Related fieldsPathway B — Experience in Lieu of Education, • Equivalent experience may be accepted in place of formal college coursework, provided the candidate meets the minimum 1‑year direct patient care requirement and demonstrates competency in behavioral health support.Preferred Skills, • Experience in VA, federal, or behavioral health settings., • Strong communication and de‑escalation skills., • Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams., • Familiarity with trauma‑informed care principles., • Ability to remain calm and professional during crisis situations.Physical Requirements, • Ability to stand, walk, and assist patients for extended periods., • Ability to respond quickly during behavioral emergencies., • Occasional lifting, bending, and physical intervention following VA safety protocols.